Feast Day of Saint Veronica Giuliani: The Patron Saint of Embroiderers

Saint Veronica Giuliani is a highly venerated Italian saint in the Catholic Church, known for her life of prayer and devotion to God. She is the patron saint of embroiderers, against bodily ills, and of the Franciscan Order. Born on July 27th, 1660, in Mercatello sul Metauro, Italy, she was baptized with the name of Ursula.

Veronica was known for her intense piety and devotion to the Passion of Christ. She entered the Poor Clare Order in 1677 at the age of 17 and took the name of Sister Veronica. She was known for her austere life of prayer and penance. During her tenure, she experienced many mystical experiences and visions of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

One of the most well known events of her life occurred when Veronica received the stigmata, the marks of Christ's wounds on her own body. She bore these wounds for over 50 years, and they were believed to have caused her intense pain and suffering. She spent much of her life in the monastery where she was held in high regard by the other nuns. She was appointed as abbess of the monastery in 1716 and served in this capacity until her death in 1727.

Veronica died on July 9th, 1727, at the age of 66. She was canonized by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839 and her feast day is celebrated on July 9th.

Saint Veronica is also known for a miraculous event that occurred after her death. A blind woman was miraculously healed after touching Veronica's heart during her funeral procession.

Aside from her remarkable life of prayer and mystical experiences, Saint Veronica Giuliani was also an accomplished artist and embroiderer. She used her skills to create beautiful altar cloths and other religious textiles for her monastery.

Saint Veronica Giuliani is an example of a life devoted to prayer and service to God. Her legacy continues to inspire many believers around the world.